mommy-to-be
“mommy-to-be”–a phrase i’m happily getting used to!
since early september, i’ve been receiving emails from various baby-related websites telling me all the “do’s and don’t's” of growing a baby. i receive weekly updates on how big “baby” is growing and of all the new developments that are occurring within me. i also see the countdown… and realize that in a mere 24 weeks (or thereabouts) tim and i will get to meet this little miracle we’ve been given!
finally, now that i’m in the 4th month of this journey, there is finally some external proof that a baby is growing here. it’s truly an awe-inspiring experience to watch my body change and grow, appreciate the changes–and for the first time in my life, NOT WORRY THAT I’M GETTING FAT!
so far, only a few things have surprised me.
- that people REALLY DO feel that they are allowed to touch my belly. AAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!! now, there are certain people who are allowed (and never have to ask)–my husband, my mom, my sister, and my doctor. that’s it. if my friends and more extended family ask, i’d probably say yes. i just need some warning and acknowledgement that it’s my body! i mean, i’m not even a huge fan of hugs from people i’ve known less than a year.
- it’s hard to eat as much as i think i’m supposed to. i looked at some sample menus, and what a mommy-to-be is supposed to eat in one meal is more than i would normally eat in a whole day! i’m getting there, i think. the trick for me is to graze all day long. doing it that way seems to help fight off the queasies, too.
- water tastes good, and pepsi does not. as much as i love(d?) pepsi, it just doesn’t hit the spot right now (though, with lots of ice and a straw, dr. pepper is deeeeelicious). and as hard as it was to choke down my 8 glasses of water a day, now, it’s seemingly a piece of cake.
- the ice cream craving does not hit everyone. i am evidence. i think i eat it even less now than i did before, which was not all that often to begin with. and coldstone doesn’t even sound good. though, when nothing else appeals to me, a milkshake will do the trick.
- i miss HOT showers and baths. and full blown yoga. i have learned that heat and i do not get along these days. i do sneak an occasional warm bath to relax, and prenatal yoga is ok, but i’m eager to get back to vigorous sun salutations in the summer!
i’m sure there’s a lot more for me to discover and be surprised about over the next 24 weeks. and i will relish every minute (even though the not-so-pleasant moments) because never again will i be a NEW mommy-to-be…
